I don’t know what to write about this month. The Sun is in Scorpio now so I tend to dwell on thoughts of the recently departed, death and the afterlife. A simple reflection. Generally speaking, the 8th house rules cause of death, wills and legacies, and the 4th house, along with childhood, parents and the home life, rules the conditions at the end of life.
An old friend passed away this summer without a funeral or an obituary so no one knew. I got a phone call a few weeks later. He had an accomplished life and many friends, so this final ending was strange. Uranus in the 8th house. I wondered if he was in a dark place, depressed, having pushed everyone away at the end. A while later, another old friend, my former teacher, passed on and in contrast, there was a lovely service for her. Her husband, children, many grandchildren and friends were there, celebrating her life. Many stories were shared. There was a display of family photos and a reception. She left huge ripples in the pond.
Some people leave on purpose (suicide), some go gracefully and some go out kicking and screaming. People and cultures have different funeral preferences. I had an aunt once who also had no funeral. She was depressed. She was quite advanced in years and most of her loved ones had preceded her so I think she was lonely. Funerals cost money and maybe she didn’t have much left to spend. So why bother?
A colleague of mine was suffering from a relapse of breast cancer. She put me on the spot one day, held out her palm and begged, look at my palm and please tell me I’m going to live. I didn’t know what to say. I blurted out, you have a family that loves you, why should you die now? It was a good way of looking at things, but she was gone a few months later, age 43. I told her what she wanted to hear. Some people desperately want to live. We have free will but God still has a plan. It is up to us to discover it, accept it and roll with the punches.
As I approach 70, I wake up some mornings with disturbing thoughts about age. Where have I been, where am I going in the time that’s left, and what does God want me to do? I just had my annual physical and I came out with flying colors. Even my heart with the quirky EKG. Not normal looking but normal for me. Maybe I’ll make it to 100 after all. In my birth chart I have the Sun, Moon and Jupiter trine Saturn. Good aspects to Saturn usually indicate a long life. Well, it’s not the length of the life, it’s what you do with it when you’re here. Time means nothing. That said… Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake! (Source unknown)
Celestial Almanac: Scorpio New Moon November 13, Gemini Full Moon November 27. After dark Jupiter rises in the east, then in the wee hours before dawn, between 5-6am, you can see it big and bright in the western sky. Venus is in the east just before dawn, the Morning Star. Thanksgiving is coming up. Be grateful! Enjoy the day!
Finances, wills and boring legal stuff may be on your agenda early in the month, but as soon as the Sun, Mars and Mercury move into Sagittarius life will take on a new twist. You will have lots of energy since Mars will be in fire, and a positive energy cycle. Travel is favored. You want to get away, have an adventure and take a break from the dull routine. Venus in Libra is great for relationships. A little romance is coming, or a weekend with your sweetie at a B&B.
Jupiter is slowing down to a dead stop until the end of the year so you must be getting really antsy. You’re going crazy wanting to make the next move. Or life is just really slow right now. On New Year’s Day Jupiter will be direct and the way opens, whatever it is you want to do. With the Sun, Mars and Mercury in the house of partnerships, you may want to get married or start a business project, and Jupiter is holding you back. Make your plans and be patient.
When the Sun, Mars and Mercury move into Sagittarius all relationships are in focus. A business partnership is formed. It is favorable to get engaged or married this month. Established relationships might need attention or simply flourish on good footing. Talk things over and clear the air. Sparks fly. Venus in Libra is lovely for romance and social life, so go on a date. If single, you can meet someone new. Children’s activities, entertainment and the arts are favored.
The planets in Scorpio make things nice for your social life. Lots going on right now with the holidays coming up. Lucky things are happening for you, like fun projects falling in your lap, or good deals when you go shopping. Because of Mars you have plenty of positive energy. Communications are favored. I’m a Cancer, and I’m having a great month. If you’re planning for it, this is a good time to conceive children. Babies are coming. Children’s activities are favored.
Lots of things are happening on the home front the first half of the month, especially because of Mars. It is a high energy cycle so be careful. Find projects you can sink your teeth into and watch your step. You could be a little accident-prone. When the planets shift into Sagittarius you will go out more. Romance, social life and children’s activities are on the agenda. Watch the New Moon on November 13. Turn a page, make a new start. Make a wish.
Saturn in your marriage house is finally direct so your situation will start to shift. The pressure is off and there is progress. You feel better. The sun will come out tomorrow. This applies not only to marriage but business affairs and contracts as well. When the Sun, Mars and Mercury move into Sagittarius your home life will be accented. Since the holidays are coming up, you will plan for reunions or social events at your house. It will be a happy period.
While the planets are in Scorpio you are organizing your money, setting up accounts or going shopping. Good deals are out there (with Venus in Libra!) but don’t be too extravagant. Watch the Gemini Full Moon on November 27. This will be an important day. Projects are completed and there is a climax of something you have been working on. You get results. Travel is favored. Venus in your sign Libra is lovely, and favors romance and creativity.
You are in high gear during the first half of the month, especially because of Mars here. It’s a great transit. No matter what you are working on you are empowered. Flexing your muscle, and nobody had better get in your way. Use the energy to good advantage. Get the chip off your shoulder, though. Try not to start a fight. You can accomplish a lot this month. When everything moves out of Scorpio, life will calm down a little. Enjoy the ride while it lasts.
When the Sun, Mars and Mercury move into Sagittarius you will notice a jumpstart in your physical energy levels. Mars here in a fire sign is congenial, a good thing. Read about Scorpio. You will have the strength and drive to accomplish great things, in the last half of the month. Because of the Sun you will be in the spotlight. This is your time of the year. You attract attention, favors, money, friendship and good luck in general. Lovely! Party on!
Venus in Libra this month is very good for your career and public life. If your life is quiet and obscure, you will still have a pleasant period. Friends will call on you or invite you out. If you need a favor just ask nicely. You can apply for jobs now. Women will help you in some way. Entertainment, fashion, the arts and real estate are favored. Artists should exhibit their work. It is also a good time to put your home on the market. Decorate and have an open house.
The Scorpio planets are great for your career. You are ambitious and more driven than usual. It is a high energy Mars cycle and you can accomplish a lot. Just be careful and watch your health. Don’t wear yourself out. Venus in Libra, an air sign, is very pleasant. Travel is favored. Take a trip if you can pull it off. Some place beautiful and exotic. Visit a museum or a different city. You may meet foreigners who will teach you things and expand your world view.
Saturn is direct now so you will notice a positive movement in your activities. Until now you may have shouldered a burden or been working extra hard. You may have been held back by illness or injury but now things improve. Remember what I said about Saturn. A raise or job opportunity may be coming to you. You’ve paid your dues. In fact, I know a Pisces lady whose life is turning around for the better right now. Wait till I tell her Saturn is going to bat for her!